Shelley Akerman, LPC

Shelley Akerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Georgia who brings over 11 years of clinical experience in both outpatient and hospital settings. She earned her Master’s degree from Mercer University in Atlanta in 2013 and has spent her career supporting people across the lifespan in reaching their personal goals and managing life’s challenges.

Shelley has worked with clients ranging in age from 4 to 92 and with diverse cultural, racial, gender, sexual, political, and spiritual backgrounds. Her clinical experience includes helping people navigate depression, anxiety, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship conflict, self-harm, psychosis, domestic violence, and addiction. She also addresses concerns such as stress, family and parenting issues, intimacy-related struggles, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and challenges related to caregiving, chronic illness, body image, and codependency.

Her counseling approach is down-to-earth, laid back, and friendly, focused on practical and creative solutions tailored to each person’s strengths and needs. Having her own therapist informs her belief in the value of feeling supported, respected, and accepted in therapy. Shelley collaborates with clients to identify goals and build skills so they can move toward a healthier, more satisfying life.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client’s lead and supports personal growth. This approach is often helpful for people seeking deeper self-understanding, improved self-esteem, and stronger coping with life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress management, and many day-to-day challenges where shifting thoughts and actions can lead to relief.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-focused awareness and gentle acceptance of thoughts and feelings. It can be useful for reducing rumination, improving emotional regulation, and managing stress and chronic worry.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Shelley will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will tailor strategies and adjust the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Shelley is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, geographically distant clients, and those who prefer different communication styles. These options make it easier to access regular care and to integrate therapy into everyday life.